The Most Common (and Destructive) Spring Pests in Florida

The high humidity and year-round warm temperatures mean household pests are a never-ending nuisance in Florida. Still, as seasons change, the types of pests that present the biggest issues for homeowners change with them. Spring brings about new life and often it’s the season in which many household pests reproduce. The following outlines some of the most prevalent and most destructive pests to look out for this spring.

TERMITES – SPRING IS SWARM SEASON IN FLORIDA

Termite swarms begin to appear each year in early spring. Certain (but not all) termites have wings and can fly. During springtime in Florida, these “swarmers” fly in groups looking for places to develop new colonies. Particularly, spring swarms in this region are searching for warm, dry environments to breed. The pests are quick to do so as well, with most swarms finding a place within half an hour.

Termites are among the most destructive of all household pests, so having a swarm choose your home for their colony to grow and thrive is not ideal. Billions of dollars each year are spent on fixing damage caused by termites. That damage isn’t just referring to structural issues caused by termites with access to a home’s foundation. The pests are relentless when it comes to finding food sources, so no books, cardboard, or drywall is safe with a termite colony around.

Maybe more so than any other pest infestation, termites require the expertise and experience of a trusted (and certified) pest management professional as full eradication isn’t easy for most homeowners. In cases where an infestation is suspected, a wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection is advised – quickly carried out if possible. If an issue is discovered, pest control experts can implement a treatment plan which varies depending on many factors. Treatment options include non-repellents or liquid termiticides like Termidor,™ bait stations, or misting systems. Often, a combination of these is the best approach for full extermination.

ANTS – FINDING THE NEST IS KEY FOR FULL EXTERMINATION

At some point, most homeowners have caught a glimpse of the dreaded line of ants heading to or from a food source. While disposing of those in this line is a quick solution, it is very temporary as there is likely a nest nearby with plenty more ants ready to invade cereal boxes or the fruit on your counter. If ant nests go unnoticed, the problem will persist.

Carpenter ants in Florida tend to be reddish in color and prefer to eat soft or decomposing materials. Termite-damaged wood and garbage are two especially attractive food sources for the ant variety. Simple steps like regularly emptying the trash and keeping the home clean and tidy is the best way to limit the readily available food sources that might attract these pests inside. There are many other ant types living in the state, including fire ants, ghost ants, and pharaoh ants. Each type has their own preferred food source, but the same prevention efforts are effective for all.

To truly eradicate an ant infestation, most pest control professionals rely on sophisticated baiting systems that target nests as the root of the issue. Some baits can be purchased and set up by the typical homeowner, but pest experts have access to more effective options that better guarantee a full eradication.

PALMETTO BUGS

The term palmetto bug generally refers to the Florida woods cockroach or the American cockroach, but the moniker is often used to refer to cockroaches in general – especially in Florida. In springtime, these pests often find their ways inside looking for moisture and food sources. Florida woods cockroach infestations indoors are fairly rare. More often, significant infestations come from the American cockroach.  

Seeing one of these pests scurrying around the home is unsettling enough, but the pests often carry bacteria and diseases that can be transmitted to humans or pets. Any roach infestation should be handled immediately by a pest control expert to ensure the issue is 100% resolved and steps are put in place to prevent it from reoccurring. Want to implement those steps now as a proactive pest control approach? Cleaning up food and beverage spills or crumbs quickly, limiting moisture build-up (leaks, condensation, etc.), and partnering with a local pest expert on regular inspections are all great ways to limit pest issues in the home.

PEST INSPECTIONS = PEST PREVENTION

When it comes to pest control, prevention is the best approach – followed closely by early identification and resolution. For this to happen, it’s important to invest in regular pest inspections from a trusted local expert. Inspections offer homeowners a chance to discover vulnerabilities when it comes to pest prevention they weren’t aware existed within their home. Inspections also often identify issues (or potential pest issues) much sooner than had it escalated until recognized by those in the home. Early identification means a solution can be found and implemented quicker, limiting any damage caused and the chance of harm coming to the humans or pets in the home because of the issue.